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complex.realness's avatar

The one thing I didn't really like in the documentary is the comment one of the people made around how basically he concludes it was likely a young woman because young women are "experts" at social stuff and can use that to manipulate and control. That line of reasoning sounds like it stems from some sexist assumptions that I doubt are grounded in facts.

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Alicia Thompson's avatar

very true -- in general i don't always put a lot of stock in "profilers"

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Sarah Zachrich Jeng's avatar

As a thriller writer I’m fascinated by people’s motivations for doing fucked-up shit, especially when they go beyond the usuals of money or sex. And this is such a weird thing to do! And definitely seems tied into the whole mindset that public figures won’t care or are more resilient/invulnerable for whatever reason.

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Alicia Thompson's avatar

I agree! I find motives that are like "because I could" or "because it was fun" or "because I got some twisted thrill from it" or whatever are even more chilling.

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Lara Dumont's avatar

ALICIA! Great letter. I am now enthralled with this Tegan and Sara story and getting major ick thinking about allll the catfishing in the world. (Also, as I was reading it, a patient came out and said, "EVERTYTHING IS AWESOME" and the CHILLS. Major witchy vibes.

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Alicia Thompson's avatar

oh man that IS major witchy vibes!!

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Cath's avatar

Thank you for your summary and thoughts! I see the financial/blackmail versions of catfishing on a fairly regular basis at work, so it's interesting to read about a case that seems to be just for love of the game, as it were.

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Alicia Thompson's avatar

it actually makes it more chilling!

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Cath's avatar

It really does!

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